I Can't Wait Until I'm 8 for then I'll be Baptized.

So handsome in white

Grahm turned 8 years old and made the decision to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We are so proud of him and his decision.  Since we live on Okinawa he had the option of being baptized in the East China Sea.

We had a small intimate service.  The only people we had in attendance were our family including Grammy and Grandaddy.  Also, Uncle Malan and President Young were there.

Charlotte gave the opening prayer and we sang When I am Baptized (page 103) without any accompaniment, Grammy Miller lead the music.  Jayce shared a talk on Baptism.  He did a great job, he used a dirty penny as an object lesson and talked about the Savior and his example and its purpose.  Grandaddy Miller shared a talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  It was amazing, I felt the spirit.  It was just our little group of 10 huddled around listening to the talks with the sound of the surf in the background and the sun slowly setting.

After that he was baptized by his Dad with John Malan and Jay Miller as witnesses.  After we had him wrapped up warm in a towel he was confirmed while standing there in the sand.  We closed with the song Choose the Right Way (pg. 160)  By this time it was hard to see the words and we were a little less musical sounding.  I gave the closing prayer.

It was an amazing experience and I hope everyone who was there will remember it and how they felt.  I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and to have parents who are wonderful examples to me and to my children of how to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

After the service we went to Jack's Place for some Japanese Tepanyaki to celebrate.

Another Birthday!

Grahm turned 8 this year.  8 is a big deal for us and he was lucky enough to have his grandparents in town for a visit.  They helped make the celebration wonderful and last a few extra days.

He was spoiled rotten by everyone - Lego's, his own set of scriptures (a gift for when you turn 8), a camera, a rock collection, and so much more.

(I love Jayce's expression in these photos)

For the big day he wanted to eat Falafel (his mommas boy), ribs (to make daddy happy), edamame, fruit, and for his cake a giant cookie.  We were adventurous and made pumpkin chocolate chip cookie - he loved it.

Happy Birthday Grahm!  We are so proud of you.  You are one of the most thoughtful kids we know.  You will share everything you have even if it is the last one and you don't get any (you get that from your Grammy).  You are a awesome big brother to your little sisters and help me out when ever I need you to.  You are such a smarty pants, too.  We love you.

Losing His First Primary Tooth

Grahm has finally decided to join the rest of the children his age and lose a tooth.  His first tooth came out on July 30.  He is very proud of the hole in his mouth and looking forward to losing many more.  I am guessing that since he has been slow to loose any teeth and he will lose 7 more in the next few months.  Good thing we don't get much corn on the cob around here.

(I screwed his hair up, I cut it like I do Jayce's.  Trying to decide how to fix it, he doesn't want it shorter.)

Taiko Drumming

(picture source)

At the elementary school the kids have a chance to join a Taiko Drumming Club and learn the art form of Taiko Drumming.  This involves ensemble drumming as well as Eisa style dancing.  Eisa is a form of folk dance unique to the Ryukyu people (Okinawa was the center of the Ryukyu kingdom).  It is cool to watch.

This is a picture of the drum the kids use. (Picture from here)

Here are some pictures from his performance.  For only 1 performance I didn't spend the money on the correct footwear (white tabi shoes) that is why his pants are tucked inside his socks - faux tabi boots.

Grahm has been practicing weekly for a good part of the school year.  They decided last minute to invite parents to the last practice/performance.  Since they don't let the first and second graders perform this was the parents chance to see what they learned.  Grahm claims he does not enjoy the club, but he must enjoy performing!

Bumps and Bruises

We have had a few bumps and bruises lately.

Grahm was playing catch with Jason and another kid.  On a loose ball the 2 boys raced and Grahms face connected with the other boys head.



Tennyson and I were squeezing out of the car in a tight spot and I tried to close the sliding door on the van.  Her little leg was bent and her foot was sticking out and I slammed it in the door.  She cried and cried (and I wanted to die).  After some meds and ice she wanted down to play, but that would only last about 30 seconds before she decided it hurt too much and wanted back up in my arms.  That continued for an hour or so.  Then she started playing and walking on it and hasn't stopped since.



Yes, BOTH SIDES!  So sad.

Sumo Grahm

This was a really fun event the school sponsored.  I have a new appreciation and understanding of Sumo Wrestlers.  They might have belly's, but they are solid muscle.  They can even do the splits.  Sumo Wrestling is a sacred sport.  If I understood correctly it was meant to be getting back to nature - just man vs. man.  After their demonstration they let children volunteer to try out some of the moves they were shown.  Jayce did not get selected during his assembly - but Grahm did.  It was lots of fun.  I am glad I decided to go.

PS -  I turned on my heater today, finally!!

Thanksgiving Program and Honor Roll

Grahm performed in the first grade Thanksgiving program.  They recited several poems and songs.  It was cute and Grahm was a cheese ball.  Tennyson wanted to get to him so badly during the performance.  He is growing way to fast.

Jayce pulled through after he realized grades are serious business and ended up on the Honor Roll.  We are so proud of him for working hard.  

School Projects

I have a hate love relationship with big school projects.  I love them because I get to spend a little more time with my kid working on something together (and the crafter in me enjoys it).  I hate them because, well... they are work and one more thing in my already busy schedule.  We have a had a few this past month.

Jayce was assigned an Indian project.  Jayce wanted to do a poster, the crafter in me hates them.  So, I persuaded Jayce to build a replica of a dwelling.  We of course chose Cherokee (that is the tribe Jason belongs to).  After doing some research we started building.  We had to enlist Jason's help on the construction of the bones of it all.  We tried to not just have it look like a replica, but be built correctly as well.  We were close, but not exact.  I had fun and I think Jason and Jayce did too.

Grahm was assigned to make a vest out of a brown paper bag.  It was part of his costume for their Thanksgiving program.  We made it the day before it was due (of course).  I didn't like the design so I started trying to get it to lay down like a vest should.  We had it looking nice.  Grahm was a little nervous of it after I had verbalized that I had made it wrong.  I offered to get another bag and re-make it correctly (I was even hoping, then it would lay better).  He said no and ran off to play.  Well at 8:00 am the next morning (30 minutes before we need to leave) he announced that he was going to be too embarrassed to wear the vest we had made.  Why did he have to pull that card, why didn't he just say he didn't like it.  So we scrambled to finish packing lunches and made another vest.  At the program I saw lots of different looking vests, the first on would have been fine.  Oh, well.

Jayce was recently assigned to make a clothespin doll.  Why?  I still have no idea.  Jayce chose to make Harry Potter.  This was an easy project and I really was able to stress being careful each step of the way so the final looks good.  Lucky for Jayce his mom has a huge scrap bin and we were able to find black fabric to make a cape.  His teacher tried to keep it!  Now he is hanging on the tree.

Mad Scientist Birthday Party (again)

Yes, I did a Mad Scientist Birthday Party a little over 2 years ago for big brother.  This time it was for Grahm and since it was Halloween I was able to get excited about decorating.  You will be surprised to know I didn't buy any new decorations.  My Mom sends my kids a creepy box every Halloween (they love it as much as Christmas) and so I am well stocked in creepy items.

The invitations were tucked inside small vials or test tubes.  They were simple and included things like "Testing Begins at"  "Lab Location".  The party favor bags I made .  I printed the logo I made on brown paper bags.  For how to print on lunch bags click here.  I will attach the pdf file for the print at the bottom (if someone has a picture they know is okay to use and distribute I would love to place it in the pdf file).  To add to the feel of the "Lab", I taped black plastic (garbage bags) over the walls.

For the experiments we:

1.  Franken-Bugs.  We made bugs with our Creepy Crawler Machine.

2.  Insta-Snow.  We learned about polymers.  You can read more here.

3.  Foaming-Snow.  You microwave Ivory soap (has to be Ivory).  Explained here.

4.  Hover Crafts.  You use a CD, bottle top, and a balloon.  Explained here.

5.  Tympanic Torture Device.  Could be really annoying.  Explained here. 

6.  Jello-Petri Dish.  I explained this using temperature and molecules.  Then every time they were getting too wild - I would have my molecules freeze.  We put smarties in our Jello to be our "growths".

7.  Film Canister Rockets.  Vinegar and Alka-Seltzer in a film canister and the lid pops off - be careful of eyes.  No pointing at anyone.  They can pop pretty hard.

8.  Diet Soda/Mento Geysers.  Explained here.

For refreshments we served:

1.  Abby Normal Cupcakes.  My awesome neighbor hand created each of these fondant brains.  I love how they turned out.

2.  Arsenic Cider.  I am in love with layering drinks.  The Sisters Cafe has a nice video how to.

3.  Cryo-Cream (sorry no pic).  Mint-Brownie Ice Cream.

My favorite decor for the party was the china cabinet.  I filled it to make it look like a specimen cabinet you see in labs.  Essentially I found creepy things, put them in jars.  Then added water and food coloring to them.  I wanted to add dust and cobwebs, but at some point you have to be done.

Here are a few pics from the party.  The boys were literally this wiggly the whole time.  I am glad that they had fun.   Here they are decorating their hover craft.

Playing with our tympanic torture devices.

You will have to find a picture of a spider or skeleton hand on your own and add it.
Mad Science Treats

Mad Science Goody Bag

If they live until 7 do I get to go to Heaven?

Grahm celebrated his seventh Birthday!  We celebrated as a family and then had a big Birthday bash for friends the following weekend.  It was fun.

He made off with a microscope and accessories (explains the face), Nerf gun, How to Pin Bugs book, and a coat.

 Ignore the Diet Coke in the background and the awful picture (it really makes the Torte look gross).

My 7 year old.  How on earth did he get this big.  I was just throwing a 7 year old party for his big brother.

I like the idea of taking a picture with the Birthday kid - so we started the tradition.  Well see if I can remember or get it done with each one every year.

Grahm you are super sweet.  You share better than anyone I have ever met.  You notice when people are in need and you are quick to respond.  You have lots of energy and love to laugh and smile.  You are good at sports and excel at everything you try.  You just started Gymnastics and are loving it.  You love Legos, Nerf guns, science, reading, running with you Dad (Mom is too slow), Star Wars the Clone Wars, primary, hugs, and so much more.  You are a good big brother and always try to help with the baby and you play really well with your bother and sister.  You are a blessing to us and a joy to have.

A Rite of Passage

Grahm is now a bike rider.  All he wants to do is ride his bike.  He is hoping I will let him ride to school this year.  I think the style of bike he has made it a little tricky to get his balance figured out.  I just really liked the bike.  I guess next time we should have someone who can ride try it out first.

3 Boys and a 5K

This time Jason and Grahm also participated.  Grahm has been begging to run everyday since Jayce's last run.  It is going to whip Jason into shape because Jayce views running as his private Daddy time.   So, Jason has to run with each of them seperately and now Charlotte is begging to go.

 Since they were running so fast, I hadn't set my settings.  Next time I will be ready.

Jayce ran ahead of Grahm and Jason up till the end.  He ran a good quarter of a mile ahead, but at the end they had over a half mile up hill climb.  That combined with his faster pace took its toll and he couldn't be motivated too much at that point.  So Grahm and Jason came in just before Jayce.  Their times....  28.??  and 29.??  Jayce shaved off 5 minutes!  They both beat lots of adults.  We are so proud and hope they continue to enjoy running.  At this rate we might have to invest in that double jogging stroller!

Beat, but so proud!  Sign in was at 6:30am - I think they need to be up a little earlier so breakfast doesn't make them feel yucky.

Celebrating the Year's Accomplishments

We had a potluck celebration to celebrate all that our Kindergartners learned this year.  This year was so wonderful for Grahm.  They sang us some songs in English and Japanese (Months of the year and days of the week).  They also did the ABC's of their class - A is for... 

We could not have asked for a better teaching team.  We loved Ms. Ermel and Ms. Patrice.  Grahm learned and grew so much this year.  Ms. Ermel gave us a poem about working with our flower to help it grow over the last year and the poem so wonderfully captures how I have felt as well.

I've worked with your flower,
And helped it to grow.
I'm returning it now,
But I want you to know.
This flower is precious:
As dear as can be.
Love, take care of it,
And you will see
A bright, new bloom with
Every Day.
It grew and blossomed
In such a wonderful way --
In September just a bud,
January a bloom.
Now a lovely blossom --
I'm returning to you in June.
Remember, this flower,
As dear as can be --
Though rightfully yours,
Part, will always belong to me!

They really fulfilled their role as a teacher.  I entrusted them with his learning (and in some ways they spent more time with him than I did) and they helped him to grow.  (I feel very differently about Jayce - kind of wilted my bloom).

Grahm will really miss them.  As Ms. Ermel was saying goodbye to Ms. Patrice and giving her the gift the class made (Ms. Ermel is leaving K5) they teared up and so did Grahm.  He was hiding his face in my skirt and wiping his eyes.  It was a few minutes before he could turn back.  It melted my heart.   He wont talk or hardly move when he is upset.  He wont take a hug or come near you.  Ms. Ermel told me that on the last day as they were getting their individual goodbyes that Grahm clammed up and did this.

Ms. Ermel and Ms. Patrice you will be missed - thanks for a great year.